There's no such thing as a chill pill, but some foods contain body-boosting nutrients that help soothe stressed-out nerves. Getting enough B vitamins, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids can help ward off depression. Magnesium helps muscles relax; stimulates production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that eases anxiety and nervousness; and helps you fall asleep. And antioxidants help fight the damage that cortisol does to brain cells and memory. 

An emphasis on the following foods will help your body mellow existing anxiety and set you on the right path for overall health. (Talk to your doctor about proper dosages if you take supplements, since it is possible to get too much of a good thing.)

Best Foods
Avocados, baked potatoes (with skin), bananas, chickpeas, yellow-fin tuna, steamed green beans

Why It Helps
Stress depletes B6, which helps produce serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter.

Try These Recipes

• Green Beans with Hazelnuts and Gorgonzola
• Avocado and Cucumber Soup
• Summer Vegetable and Chicken Hash

Best Foods
Clams, milk (fat-free), plain yogurt (fat-free), salmon, sardines, chicken

Why It Helps
Along with other B vitamins, B12 helps form GABA, a calming neurotransmitter.

Try These Recipes

• Steamed Clams in Garlic-Saffron Broth
• Orange-Walnut Yogurt Cake
• Chicken with Mustard Greens, Olives, and Lemon

Best Foods
Asparagus, chickpeas, lentils, oatmeal, orange juice, dark leafy greens

Why It Helps
Folic acid helps make dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.

Try These Recipes

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Grilled Chicken and Escarole Sandwich with White-Bean Spread
• Roasted Asparagus and Eggs

Best Foods
Almonds, amaranth, spinach, sunflower seeds, tofu, wild rice

Why It Helps
Stress depletes magnesium, which stimulates the production of GABA and helps make dopamine.

Try These Recipes

• Spinach Salad with Pomegranate and Avocado
• Stir-Fried Tofu, Thai-Style
• Wild Rice with Dried Fruit

Best Foods
Broccoli, brussels sprouts, orange juice, red and green peppers, strawberries

Why It Helps
Vitamin C boosts your immune system and fights brain-cell damage resulting from constant exposure to cortisol.

Try These Recipes

• Pecan Pancakes with Mixed Berry Compote
• Broccoli with Orecchiette
• Asian Steak Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette